the governors of north carolina, virginia and maryland declared states of emergency. bob mcdonald activated the national guard, sending 200 troops to the chesapeake bay area. the postal service is delivering social security checks early to the coastal area of north carolina, virginia, maryland, delaware and new york. and the u.s. navy returning home from somalia, rushed to get home to virginia, ahead of the bad weather. on this beach, even the sea turtle nests were picked up and moved for safety. and surf's up in wrights head, north carolina. but it's extremely rough. and tourists are told to get out. now. >> they kicked us out this morning. >> they won't let us stay. they're going to make us sit in this traffic. >> back to jersey. >> reporter: with hurricane earl so close to the coastline, the entire east coast is threatened. if this storm jogs a little bit one way or the other, it will make a huge difference in which areas are affected. here at atlantic beach, herb and cindy know better. they're not taking any chances, moving their furniture indoors. since you've be